Mary's chest tightened with equal parts hope and fear. “Bert?—”
“I know you’re scared. I’m scared too. But I’d rather be scared with you than safe without you.”
She wanted to tell him everything. The fears that had been building since they’d kissed that morning, since she’d admitted feelings she’d been hiding for months. But Colin was three rows ahead, potentially listening, and this wasn’t the time or place for the conversation they needed to have.
So instead she squeezed Bert’s hand and turned her attention back to the scenery, filing away the words she needed to say for later.
Cape Enrage Lighthouse sat on a dramatic promontory, its white tower stark against the blue sky. The accessible path from the parking area was well-maintained, wide enough for wheelchairs to navigate easily, and their guide led their small group toward the lighthouse with the practiced ease of someone who’d done this tour hundreds of times.
“Built in 1838,” the guide explained as they approached. “The original lighthouse keeper and his family lived in the attached house, keeping the light burning to warn ships away from the dangerous rocks below. The tides here are treacherous, and before the lighthouse, many ships were lost.”
Mary listened with half her attention while the other half stayed focused on Colin and Diane. The older woman seemed alert and engaged, asking questions about the lighthouse’s history and exclaiming over the views. But something was still off about her energy, something that felt performative rather than genuine.
George had positioned himself next to Diane, the two of them discussing something Mary couldn’t quite hear. Colin hovered nearby, his expression pleasant but his body language tense. He didn’t seem to like George’s presence getting too close to Diane.
“The views from the top are spectacular,” the guide said, gesturing to the lighthouse tower. “Unfortunately, the stairs are quite steep and not accessible. But we have a viewing platform here that offers similar perspectives.”
They gathered on the platform, and Mary had to admit the view was breathtaking. The bay stretched endlessly to the horizon, and far below, the rocky shore was littered with tidal pools and dramatic rock formations. Seabirds wheeled overhead, and their cries carried on the salt-tinged breeze.
Bert stood behind Mary’s wheelchair, his hands resting on her shoulder, and she could feel the solid warmth of him like an anchor. She’d been independent for so long, fought so hard to prove she didn’t need anyone, that accepting his help had felt like weakness at first. But gradually she’d learned that letting someone help wasn’t the same as being helpless. That Bert’s assistance came from caring rather than pity. That his presence in her life made her stronger, not weaker.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Diane said, rolling up beside Mary with George following. Colin was several feet away, talking to the guide, temporarily distracted.
“Stunning,” Mary agreed. “How are you feeling today, Diane?”
“Oh, much better!” Diane’s smile was bright, almost too bright. “I don’t know what came over me. Colin was right, I just needed rest.”
“Colin’s always right about what you need,” George said dryly with an eye roll, and Mary caught the edge in his tone.
“He’s been wonderful,” Diane said, but there was something automatic about her response. “Taking care of everything so I can just enjoy the trip.”
“That’s what family is for,” Colin said, suddenly appearing at Diane’s side with the silent efficiency that Mary was becoming accustomed to. His hand landed on Diane’s shoulder, possessive and controlling. “Though Aunt Diane tends to overdo it if I’m not careful. Don’t you, Aunt Diane?”
“Yes, dear.” Diane’s agreement was immediate. “You’re quite right.”
Mary caught Bert’s hand tightening on her shoulder and felt the tension radiating from him. They were both watching the same pattern play out—Colin’s control and Diane’s automatic compliance.
The tour continued with a visit to the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, now converted into a small museum. The interior had been restored to reflect life in the 1800s, and the guide’s narration brought the history alive. Mary found herself genuinely enjoying the experience; the combination of dramatic scenery and fascinating history was exactly the kind of thing she loved.
But more than that, she was acutely aware of Bert beside her. The way he’d crouch down to point out details in the museum displays, bringing himself to her eye level rather than talking down to her. The way he’d naturally shift to give her space to maneuver her wheelchair without crowding or taking over. The way he’d catch her eye and smile. There were so many small private moments of connection that had nothing to do with the tour and everything to do with them.
This felt different. The physical intimacy of being a couple, even when pretending, had peeled away the careful distance they’d both maintained. And Mary was discovering that she didn’t want that distance back.
After the museum, they broke for lunch at a small café near the lighthouse. The accessible seating was limited, so their group split up, and Mary sat at a table with Bert and the anniversary couple, Thomas and Carolyn. Colin, Diane, Eleanor, and George were at the next table over, close enough to observe but not close enough for conversation.
“You two are adorable together,” Carolyn said as they waited for their food. She and Thomas were in their early seventies, weathered and comfortable with each other in the way that came from four decades of marriage. “How long have you been engaged?”
Mary and Bert exchanged a glance, and she saw amusement flicker through his eyes before he answered smoothly. “We’ve been together about a year, but I only recently worked up the courage to propose.”
“I was beginning to think he never would,” Mary added, playing her part but also speaking a truth that went deeper than the cover story. “Bert’s not exactly impulsive.”
“The best things are worth waiting for,” Bert said, his hand finding hers on the table. “I wanted to be sure we were both ready.”
Thomas nodded, his smile gentle. “It’s not always easy, you know. Takes work and compromise and being willing to adapt when life throws you curves.”
Mary felt Bert’s thumb trace patterns on her palm, a gesture that was becoming familiar and beloved. “I think we’re both aware that life doesn’t always go according to plan,” he said quietly. “But that’s why you need a partner. Someone who’ll face the unexpected with you rather than running when things get complicated.”
“Sounds like you’ve given it real thought,” Carolyn said approvingly. “Too many young people rush in without understanding what they’re signing up for.”